Working with the United Nations

Entry-level junior professional positions are filled exclusively through the young professionals programme (YPP). In order to qualify, a candidate must possess a first-level university degree in the relevant occupational group, be 32 years of age or younger, be fluent in either English or French and be a national of a country participating in the competitive recruitment examination.
The list of countries and occupational fields is revised on a regular basis.

Please check the YPP webpage of the UN Careers portal for the most recent list, examination notice and applicable rules.

Language competitive examinations:

Examinations are held to establish a roster of qualified candidates from which to fill language positions. Candidates for translator positions are required to translate from at least two of the six official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish). Candidates for interpreter positions are required to interpret simultaneously into one of the six official languages and must have full auditory comprehension of at least two other official United Nations languages.

Internships

enrolled in an advanced degree programme in a graduate school (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) at the time of application;

or enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent);

graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship either prior to graduation, or within a one year period of graduation.

Internships are intended to promote a better understanding of international problems among participants and to provide them with an insight into the work of the United Nations. Interns are not paid. The acquisition of the necessary visas, travel costs and arrangements and living accommodation are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions.

Successful candidates should be able to provide proof ofenrolment in a Medical Insurance valid in Switzerland, as well as a Medical Certificate stating that the student is in a good health.

Interested students can apply to the specific internship announcements through the UN Careers portal at: http://careers.un.org, and follow the instructions in the Internship Applicant’s Manual.

For information concerning internships at United Nations Headquarters, New York, click here.

Working in Peacekeeping Missions

Working in a peacekeeping operation provides an opportunity to be part of an international effort to better the lives of the people it aims to serve. It is a very demanding, dynamic, rewarding and often life-changing experience.

The scope and variety of skills and occupational fields which are required by the United Nations have expanded over the last decade. Early peacekeeping operations were mainly in support of peace-monitoring mandates. In the last decade, peacekeeping operations have undergone a dramatic change. A range of new activities, including civilian administration, political affairs, humanitarian relief, human rights, and legal and judicial affairs have been introduced, greatly expanding the occupational fields which the Department of Peacekeeping Operations must now staff.

Apply online for job opportunities in peacekeeping and other field missions.

Human Resources Management Service at UNOG

The Human Resources Management Service at UNOG provides services to approximately 4,300 staff members in Geneva and in field offices worldwide, as well as expert advice and policy guidance on human resources management issues to more than 30 client services that it serves.

The services encompass a broad range of human resources activities which include the recruitment, placement and promotion of staff and the administration of staff benefits and entitlements.

Staff development and career support is provided through training and learning programmes designed to help staff acquire language skills and keep pace with changing technologies and the evolution of the United Nations mandates.

The United Nations employs more than 43,000 people serving in different parts of the world. In accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer or promotion of staff is securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, for the best functioning of the Organization.

Due regard shall be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. Selection of staff shall be made without distinguishing between race, gender or religion.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations.